Strength at virtually every level of the market has propelled the Keeneland September Yearling Sale beyond another major benchmark, with the 2026 auction surpassing last year’s entire through-the-ring gross despite still having three sessions remaining. Wednesday’s ninth session generated US$18,485,000 in sales to lift the cumulative total to US$511,680,500, already eclipsing the US$510,539,900 achieved across all 12 sessions in 2025. Providing further evidence of the remarkable demand that has characterised this year’s sale, Thoroughbred Daily Newsreports 2,027 yearlings had changed hands through the ring after nine sessions for an average of US$252,432 and a median of US$150,000, with the gross running 4.93 per cent ahead of the corresponding stage last year despite fewer horses having been sold. The opening session of Book 5 was headed jointly by two US$250,000 yearlings, a Dialed In colt bought by Kimmel/Sallusto on behalf of Nick Sallusto’s Thorostock and an Army Mule filly secured by Gracie Bloodstock. The latter, offered through Paramount Sales, is out of the Line of David mare Meetmeonline, a half-sister to Graded stakes winner and sire Bucchero and from the family of Grade I-winning millionaire World of Trouble. The Dialed In colt, bred in Texas by Heidi Bailey’s No Escape Ranch and consigned by Highgate Sales, also commanded significant attention from Sallusto, who described himself as particularly impressed by the youngster’s physical qualities and indicated that conformation remained his first consideration when buying horses to resell. Market strength has not been confined to the elite books, with Wednesday’s 295 sold yearlings averaging US$62,661, a rise of 23.28 per cent on the corresponding 2025 session, while the US$50,000 median climbed 25 per cent. Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said exceeding last year’s complete gross with three days still remaining demonstrated both the strength of the marketplace and the quality of stock being presented. Sallusto likewise pointed to what he described as a genuine “trickle-down effect”, with buyers unable to fill orders in the earlier books continuing to compete aggressively deeper into the catalogue. His association with John Kimmel had already produced 14 purchases through the ring and another privately completed transaction for US$6.075 million, headed by a US$2.25 million Nyquist colt. With demand remaining resilient well into Book 5, the final sessions now appear less about whether Keeneland September will establish a new gross benchmark than how far the record can ultimately be extended.
2025's results have been eclipsed by 2026's theatre (pic: keeneland.com)
Gr1 Golden Rose Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
A season already decorated by Golden Slipper success reaches another defining point for Guest House on Saturday when the brilliant colt tackles 12 rivals in the $1 million Golden Rose Gr1 over 1400 metres at Rosehill, carrying with him both the strongest exposed juvenile form and one of the more fascinating historical challenges in Australian racing. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained son of Home Affairs was outstanding when resuming in the San Domenico Gr3 over 1100 metres on August 29, lowering the Rosehill track record, and his trainers subsequently elected to bypass the Run To The Rose rather than risk another demanding run before his principal target. Zac Lloyd retains the ride from barrier five, and Racing.com reports that Guest House has pleased his camp in his final work, with Kent Jnr particularly encouraged by his recovery and condition leading into the 1400 metres. The question is whether brilliance at sprint trips translates cleanly to the longer examination. Warwoven earned his place through victory in the Run To The Rose Gr2 and has drawn ideally in barrier one for Rachel King, while St Gotthard was runner-up there at his first run back and is entitled to improve with James McDonald aboard from gate nine. Chris Waller has extraordinary numerical strength with five runners, also including last season’s Gr1 winners Campione D’Italia and Tron Bolt, although the latter must negotiate barrier 11. Stormy Marco and Under Focus provide further depth, while Tenenbaum has drawn two and brings a lightly raced, progressive profile. Recent history illustrates just how significant this race has become: Beiwacht won in track-record time last year, following Broadsiding in 2024, Militarize in 2023, Jacquinot in 2022 and In The Congo in 2021, with all five colts or males going on, or having already established themselves, as horses of considerable commercial or racing consequence. The broader roll includes Bivouac, The Autumn Sun, Zoustar and Trapeze Artist, reinforcing the Golden Rose’s status as one of Australia’s most influential stallion-making races. Intriguingly, despite its relationship with the autumn juvenile championship, Forensics remains the only Golden Slipper winner to have also captured the Golden Rose. Guest House therefore attempts something genuinely uncommon rather than merely completing an expected progression. His barrier, freshness and explosive first-up performance give him every opportunity, but Warwoven and St Gotthard arrive with the benefit of a more orthodox 1200-metre lead-up and should make the final 200 metres a genuine test of his three-year-old credentials. SELECTIONS: Guest House – St Gotthard – Warwoven – Campione D’Italia
O’Shea Imports Building Towards Bigger Things
Friday, 25th September 2026
Missing an immediate opportunity to force their way towards The Metropolitan may ultimately prove beneficial for lightly raced imports Starzintheireyes and Mister Rizz, with co-trainer John O’Shea convinced both possess the scope to develop into considerably better staying horses when the autumn arrives. Rather than rush either gelding through a spring campaign before they are fully seasoned, O’Shea and training partner Tom Charlton will use Saturday’s Toyota Forklifts Handicap over 1900 metres at Rosehill as another measured step in their education, with the pair arriving from very different but equally encouraging lead-ups. According to Racing NSW, Starzintheireyes was unable to gain a start in last week’s Gr2 Kingston Town Stakes, while Mister Rizz only resumed recently, leaving connections content to allow both horses time to establish themselves rather than chase loftier targets prematurely. “They’ve had great preparations and we’re very happy with them,” O’Shea said, adding that they were difficult to separate and each appeared capable of progressing to quality stakes company over staying distances. Starzintheireyes, to be ridden by James McDonald, caught the eye when runner-up behind The Mona Lisa over 1600 metres at Randwick three weeks ago and remains winless from four Australian starts, although O’Shea felt the five-year-old had done little wrong at his latest appearance. A strong showing at Rosehill could encourage the stable to push him further out in distance. Mister Rizz, meanwhile, received a useful form boost when Grafton Street, whom he defeated comfortably in a Hawkesbury Class 1 first-up, subsequently won at Warwick Farm. The import was inclined to race erratically in the straight during his Hawkesbury victory, but O’Shea views that as part of a learning process rather than a significant concern and believes continued experience will help him become more professional. The stable also has November ambitions with Mr Chaplin and Cross Tasman, who are being prepared respectively towards the Big Dance and Little Dance and resume in the Irresistible Pools & Spas Handicap over 1400 metres. Cross Tasman earned Little Dance eligibility through his Goulburn Cup second and has missed a placing only once in 10 starts, while South Grafton Cup winner Mr Chaplin has won two of three appearances for the stable and has trialled encouragingly ahead of his return. Completing O’Shea and Charlton’s Rosehill stakes representation is Sam Hawkens in the Gr3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400 metres, where blinkers will be applied in an attempt to help the import rediscover his better form. The immediate results will matter, but for Starzintheireyes and Mister Rizz especially, Saturday shapes more as another building block towards the staying assignments their stable believes await once experience catches up with ability.
Gr1 Manikato Stakes Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
Few Australian Group 1 sprints arrive with such an unusual combination of proven class, emerging talent and historical intrigue as Sunday’s $2 million Manikato Stakes at Caulfield, where Beiwacht drops from a dominant 1400-metre Memsie Stakes victory to 1200 metres against a field containing last year’s winner Charm Stone, Moir Stakes heroine My Gladiola, former Everest winner Giga Kick and a collection of established elite-level performers. Caulfield hosts the race while The Valley undergoes redevelopment, removing one of the Manikato’s familiar tactical signatures and replacing it with a different challenge around a circuit where positioning from the turn into the long straight should be decisive. Beiwacht has barrier three for Nash Rawiller and arrives as a triple Gr1 winner after scoring by three lengths first-up in the Memsie, while Racing.com reports that former champion jockey Steven Arnold was delighted with the colt’s Tuesday gallop and believes the return to 1200 metres should not compromise his fitness or effectiveness. The opposition is formidable. My Gladiola arrives from victory in the Moir Stakes and draws nine for Jamie Mott, while Giga Kick has barrier four and Mark Zahra and remains capable of producing the explosive closing speed that made him one of the nation’s premier sprinters. Jimmysstar, Pericles and Rothfire bring extensive top-level experience; Oliveanotherday has won six of his first eight starts and resumes his campaign after an impressive Heath 1100 success followed by a fifth at Flemington; and Extragalactic gains James McDonald from barrier two. Then there is Charm Stone, who resumes from gate 11 attempting to defend the crown she won at The Valley last year. Recent Manikato history underlines the depth required: Charm Stone followed Southport Tycoon in 2024, Imperatriz in 2023 and Bella Nipotina in 2022, meaning mares have won three of the past four editions, while Jonker preceded them in 2021. Imperatriz and Bella Nipotina subsequently became benchmark Australian sprinters, reinforcing the race’s capacity to identify horses with genuine championship credentials. Charm Stone’s 2025 win came at $31, Southport Tycoon scored at long odds the previous year and even this race’s distinguished honour roll warns against treating the market leader as invulnerable. Beiwacht’s Memsie performance, favourable barrier and ability to race close to the speed give him a compelling case, but a genuine 1200-metre pressure race is a different examination and My Gladiola, Giga Kick and Extragalactic are all equipped to exploit any vulnerability. SELECTIONS: Beiwacht – My Gladiola – Giga Kick – Extragalactic
Swift Force Ready for Victorian Return
Friday, 25th September 2026
A return trip across Bass Strait is looming for one of Tasmania’s brightest galloping prospects, with Swift Force preparing to launch her four-year-old campaign in Victoria after giving every indication that she has returned from her spell in excellent order. The John Keys-trained mare, who emerged as one of Tasmania’s leading three-year-olds last season and raced twice at Caulfield during May, tuned up for her latest campaign with a sharp trial victory at Longford on Tuesday morning and is now likely to reappear in a midweek event at Caulfield within the next few weeks. According to Racing.com, Swift Force stopped the clock at 46.16 seconds over the tight 800-metre Longford circuit, comfortably the quickest of the nine trials conducted at the distance during the morning and a performance entirely consistent with her reputation as one of the fastest horses currently racing in Tasmania. Jockey Georgie Catania was suitably encouraged by the effort, describing the assignment as little more than a straightforward exercise while noting that the mare still had some improvement to come in her appearance. “She felt as good as ever; it was really just a sit and steer,” Catania said. “She’s still got her coat to lose, but I’m sure she’s in for a big campaign.” Keys was similarly satisfied with the way Swift Force emerged from the hit-out and indicated that Melbourne was again firmly on the agenda, her previous Caulfield experience providing a useful foundation as she attempts to establish herself beyond Tasmania. The Longford trial could also prove an informative reference point for mainland observers, with runner-up Silver Dagger expected to begin her own preparation down the Flemington straight on October 3. Keys is assembling several interstate candidates around the same period, with Swan Hill Cup winner Cartoon Graveyard also being readied for Victorian assignments after completing a grass gallop at Longford before Tuesday’s official trials. Closer to home, the stable remains strongly represented as Launceston’s night season gathers pace, with Keys preparing four runners for Friday’s nine-race program, including three acceptors in the closing 2100-metre benchmark event. Johnnie Pinch is among that trio and, on the evidence of his latest Devonport performance, Keys believes the longer distance should suit. Nevertheless, much of the attention around the stable will inevitably follow Swift Force as she returns to Melbourne, where another successful campaign would strengthen both her own standing and Tasmania’s increasingly visible presence in Victorian metropolitan company.
Gr1 Howden Insurance Mile Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
One of New Zealand’s traditional spring weight-for-age tests returns to Hastings on Saturday when a deep collection of proven Group 1 performers and emerging talent clash in the NZ$400,000 Gr1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m), with Tuxedo presented with an opportunity to add another elite-level success to his record. The Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained son of Tivaci heads into the race second-up after finishing fifth behind the unbeaten Well Written in the Gr1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie, an effort his connections believe has brought him forward significantly. Ritchie has been particularly encouraged by the five-year-old’s condition since that run, taking him back to Ellerslie for an exhibition gallop with Opie Bosson last weekend, and believes the rise to 1600m arrives at precisely the right stage of his preparation. “He is going fantastic,” Ritchie told racingnews.co.nz, adding that Tuxedo should be “much improved from the Proisir.” The gelding will need to overcome barrier 12, but Bosson’s presence is significant in a race he has previously won aboard Melody Belle and Gingernuts, and Tuxedo demonstrated his own top-level credentials last season when winning the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Waiting for him is defending champion Waitak, who will attempt to become the first horse since the outstanding Melody Belle to win successive editions of the race. The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained seven-year-old produced a spectacular finishing burst to defeat La Crique in last year’s renewal, which was transferred to Te Rapa, and subsequently completed a notable spring Group 1 double in the Livamol Classic (2040m). He resumed with an unplaced effort in this season’s Proisir Plate but has drawn ideally in barrier two for Craig Grylls, and his recent trackwork suggests the run has advanced his preparation considerably. Waitak’s versatility has long been one of his defining qualities, with elite victories stretching from the 1200m Gr1 Railway to this mile contest, and the likelihood of a genuinely run race should give Grylls the opportunity to conserve him before producing his formidable finishing sprint. First Five adds another fascinating dimension. David Greene’s Almanzor gelding emerged as one of New Zealand’s leading weight-for-age horses last season, completing a Gr1 double in the Telegraph (1200m) and BCD Group Sprint (1400m), and Saturday gives him the chance to demonstrate that his brilliance extends decisively to 1600m. His spring form of sixth and then 12th in the Foxbridge Plate and Proisir Plate respectively falls short of those summer peaks, but barrier six and the booking of Michael McNab provide him with every opportunity to rediscover his best. Stephen Marsh launches a two-pronged challenge through Media World and reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year El Vencedor. Media World has returned with encouraging placings in both the Gr2 Foxbridge Plate and Gr1 Proisir Plate and has secured the prized inside barrier for Joe Doyle, although Marsh has acknowledged there remains a question over whether the Written Tycoon entire is as effective at a mile as he is between 1200m and 1400m. El Vencedor presents an entirely different proposition. Winner of four consecutive Group 1 races during his extraordinary 2025 autumn campaign, the eight-year-old begins his season here after a recent trial and possesses the class to make his presence felt despite 1600m being short of the distances over which he has produced his finest performances. Crocetti, himself a Group 1 winner, comes through a sixth in the Proisir Plate but has been handed the difficult outside barrier, while Sterling Express, Belles Beau, Lupo Solitario and Atmospheric add further depth and She’s A Dealer receives the 2kg mares’ allowance. The recent honour roll underlines the calibre generally required: Waitak followed One Bold Cat in 2024, Mustang Valley in 2023 and La Crique in 2022, while earlier editions were dominated for three successive years by champion mare Melody Belle. With established Group 1 winners confronting horses still capable of climbing another rung, Saturday’s renewal shapes as an intriguing examination of whether New Zealand’s familiar weight-for-age guard can retain control or whether Tuxedo is ready to assume a more prominent place among them. SELECTIONS: Waitak – Tuxedo – Media World – First Five
Gr2 Stutt Stakes Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
An impressive Flemington victory has elevated Lara Antipova to the head of calculations for Sunday's Stutt Stakes Gr2 at Caulfield, where the Mark Walker-trained filly receives 2kg from nine male rivals as she steps to 1600 metres for the first time. Her latest success in the Listed Exford Plate confirmed that a disappointing resumption had been an aberration rather than a warning, and barrier four allows Zac Lloyd considerable flexibility in a race containing several lightly raced horses still establishing their preferred patterns. Lara Antipova's Flemington performance was strong enough to encourage connections to test her over the mile, while the market has installed her ahead of a trio of Chris Waller-trained colts led by Diameter. James McDonald takes the ride on Diameter from the inside barrier, and while his two runs this preparation have produced sixth placings, his earlier form suggests he possesses considerably more ability than those figures imply. The prospect of a soft run in transit makes him particularly dangerous if the step to 1600 metres unlocks improvement. Somethings Burnin' has taken a more obvious upward trajectory, following a first-up win with second and third placings and now gaining Damian Lane, while Hidrix must overcome barrier 10 but has Ben Melham to negotiate the task. The Busuttin-Young pair Obambulate and Cignetti add genuine depth. Cignetti comes off a win and a second and appears to be progressing at precisely the right stage of his preparation, whereas Obambulate has not matched his earlier successive victories in two runs back but remains capable of improvement. Ciaron Maher's Scarole arrives after breaking through at his latest start, and Russian Rock and Boys Bounce are even less exposed, giving the race an appealing mixture of proven juvenile form and rapidly developing three-year-olds. Lara Antipova's 55kg impost is a meaningful advantage, especially if she can reproduce the acceleration displayed at Flemington, but this is her first serious test at 1600 metres and several of the colts appear bred and shaped to appreciate precisely that progression. Diameter has the class, draw and rider to make her earn it, while Somethings Burnin' brings the most reliable current form among those immediately behind the favourite. SELECTIONS: Lara Antipova – Diameter – Somethings Burnin' – Cignetti
Lara Antipova showed her true form last start (pic: Mark Gatt)
Gr2 Golden Pendant Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
A return to 1400 metres could provide the platform for Lazzura to turn two solid spring performances into a first-upgrade victory when a competitive field of mares assembles for Saturday's $300,000 Golden Pendant Gr2 at Rosehill. Chris Waller's mare has been placed in both runs this preparation, initially finishing third in the Toy Show Gr3 over 1100 metres before occupying the same position behind Savvy Hallie and Gangsta Granny in the Sheraco Stakes Gr2 at 1200 metres on September 12, and there was enough merit in that latest effort to suggest the longer trip should suit. She carries the 58kg topweight but James McDonald takes over from barrier five, an attractive enough draw in a race where several of her principal rivals have contrasting tactical profiles. According to Racing NSW, Gangsta Granny finished only 0.35 lengths from Savvy Hallie in the Sheraco, with Lazzura another quarter-length away, giving the Hawkes-trained mare an obvious form reference as she stretches to 1400 metres from barrier seven. Her career profile is one of remarkable consistency, and she has repeatedly shown an ability to settle close enough to the speed to make her own luck. Surfin' Bird is perhaps the most intriguing runner. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mare resumes from barrier three under Tim Clark with only 54kg and brings a progressive profile into the spring, while Modella also receives 54kg and returns to stakes company after winning first-up. The Lee and Cherie Curtis-trained mare has Zac Lloyd aboard and is capable of settling within striking distance from gate six. Apocalyptic must also be respected despite finishing fifth in the Sheraco, where she was slow away, held up late and reported to have hung out under pressure, circumstances which made the bare result less compelling than the run itself. Verona Rose was third against the males in the Theo Marks Gr2 over 1300 metres and adds another worthwhile line of form, although barrier nine may require Kerrin McEvoy to make an early decision. Lazzura's combination of proven class, fitness and the extra 200 metres gives her the most persuasive profile, but there is sufficient depth beneath her to ensure this will be no procession. SELECTIONS: Lazzura – Gangsta Granny – Surfin' Bird – Modella
Gr2 Shannon Stakes Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
A dominant return to racing has placed Skyhook in a commanding position for Saturday's Shannon Stakes Gr2 at Rosehill, where the progressive four-year-old rises from 1300 to 1500 metres against a field containing far more experienced campaigners but few runners carrying his current profile. Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou's entire resumed with victory in the Theo Marks Gr2 at Rosehill on September 12 and now receives a favourable barrier two for Kerrin McEvoy, with his 58kg impost appearing manageable given both the quality of that return and his capacity to settle within easy striking distance. The 1500-metre quality handicap has drawn 10 runners, headed at the weights by Private Eye on 60kg, and that horse provides the principal class benchmark. Joseph Pride's grand campaigner has endured a lengthy career at the top level and arrives third-up after finishing second and seventh at his two runs back, but he gives Skyhook 2kg and must concede substantially more to several improving rivals. Magnatear looks particularly well placed with 55kg from the inside gate after following three consecutive placings and a win with a strong second at his latest start, while Punch Lane carries 54.5kg and has been knocking on the door, most recently finishing runner-up after a sequence of competitive efforts. Estadio Mestalla has 57.5kg and barrier eight and is capable of much better than his first-up ninth suggests, while New Endeavour resumes with the Waterhouse-Bott combination and could inject speed into a race where tactical positioning may be especially important. Kovalica remains the enigmatic runner. His best form is considerably stronger than his recent figures, and 56kg gives Chris Waller an opportunity to reset him over a distance short of his recognised middle-distance range, although he will need to produce more than he has shown lately. Encap and Sovereign Hill receive just 53kg and cannot be dismissed if the race develops into a genuine handicap rather than a simple class test. Even so, Skyhook brings together the most compelling elements: race fitness, an advantageous draw, a last-start Gr2 victory and a distance that should allow him to travel comfortably before being produced. Private Eye remains the danger if his established Group-class ability resurfaces, but the weight differential gives the younger horse a substantial opportunity to consolidate his standing among the better performers of the spring. SELECTIONS: Skyhook – Private Eye – Magnatear – Punch Lane
Gr2 Stocks Stakes Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
Three consecutive victories have carried Changing Colours from promising metropolitan mare to the brink of a significant black-type breakthrough, and Sunday's Stocks Stakes Gr2 at Caulfield gives Lucy Yeomans' rapidly improving five-year-old the opportunity to prove that her rise through the grades can continue against established stakes performers. Blake Shinn takes the ride at 55kg, although barrier 10 presents the principal complication and could force him either to concede ground early or use some petrol securing a position before the first turn. Her recent progression nevertheless gives her one of the strongest contemporary profiles in the race, and the mare has been something of a revelation during Yeomans' first season in her own right, arriving here after completing a hat-trick. The established benchmark may instead come from Sass Appeal, who carries 58kg for Danny O'Brien and Damian Lane after form figures of first, fourth and fourth this preparation. She has the benefit of barrier four and a proven capacity to compete in stronger company, making her a dangerous opponent if the favourite is required to work early. Too Darn Discreet is another obvious threat. Dan O'Sullivan's mare resumed with a second after finishing her previous campaign with successive victories and carries 56kg, although barrier 11 means Declan Bates faces a similar tactical puzzle to Shinn. Sea What I See has Craig Williams aboard at 55kg and is capable of sharp improvement from her first-up ninth, while Private Legacy resumes for Gregory Hickman and possesses stakes form good enough to make her relevant if ready. Astral Flame's form of two wins and a fourth before spelling is appealing from barrier one, and Perfect Ten arrives in excellent order after winning her past two starts. With 12 mares engaged and several carrying relatively compressed weights, this is likely to be decided as much by position and tempo as raw ratings. Changing Colours must make the leap from benchmark success to Gr2 company, but she is doing so while still appearing to improve rather than simply holding her form. SELECTIONS: Changing Colours – Sass Appeal – Too Darn Discreet – Perfect Ten
Gr2 Feehan Stakes Preview
Friday, 25th September 2026
A small field has produced one of Sunday's most absorbing contests at Caulfield, with Pride Of Jenni attempting to complete a third consecutive Feehan Stakes Gr2 victory against five rivals whose collective quality makes the six-horse line-up considerably stronger than its size suggests. Ciaron Maher's remarkable nine-year-old returns at 1600 metres under Declan Bates from barrier three, and her trademark front-running style should again determine the structure of the race. She won this event in each of the past two seasons and, according to racing.com, her latest 1200-metre jumpout was described by Maher's team as perhaps the best they have seen from her, significant praise for a mare whose record already includes four Gr1 victories. The change of venue from The Valley to Caulfield adds a fresh dimension, but the tactical equation remains familiar: Pride Of Jenni is likely to roll forward and ask her rivals to decide how much pressure they are prepared to apply before the home turn. Mr Brightside reunites with Craig Williams from barrier six and brings the most formidable established record of her opposition, while Zambardo was a sound third when resuming and should improve markedly second-up for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. Another Wil, drawn two, is likewise capable of better after finishing ninth and third in his two starts this campaign, and John Allen should be able to conserve ground before attempting to close. Treasurethe Moment is perhaps the most fascinating runner. Matt Laurie's mare has enormous quality but arrives after finishing fourth and then tenth in her two spring appearances, and barrier one gives Daniel Stackhouse the option to settle closer without becoming embroiled in an early contest with Jenni. Pounding completes the field and possesses sufficient Group form to punish any tactical miscalculation. The essential question is whether anybody chooses to challenge Pride Of Jenni's rhythm. If she secures the uncontested lead that has underpinned so many of her best performances, the combination of proven 1600-metre strength and her extraordinary record in this race makes her difficult to dislodge. If Mr Brightside, Treasurethe Moment or Zambardo can remain within range without sacrificing their own finishing speed, however, Caulfield's long run home may produce a much tighter examination than the field size implies. SELECTIONS: Pride Of Jenni – Mr Brightside – Zambardo – Treasurethe Moment
